Bosnia-Herzegovina

[BA] RAK to Enforce the Watershed Principle

IRIS 2004-7:1/8

Dusan Babic

Media Analyst, Sarajevo

In May 2004, the Regulatorna agnecija za komunikacije (Communications Regulatory Agency ­ RAK) reminded all broadcasting stations and cable distributors of broadcasting programmes to comply with RAK's Code of Practice, especially with Article 1.3 regarding the so-called "watershed-principle". As to this norm, all items of programme services which are likely to impair the physical, mental or moral development of children and adolescents shall not be scheduled at periods during which they are likely to watch those programmes because of the time of transmission and reception. Such programmes to be broadcast after the watershed include, but are not limited to, contents that include the strongest acceptable sexual material, violence or topics (such as child abuse or the use of drugs) treated in a way likely to harm children's development. Such programmes shall be broadcast in the period from 22:00 to 06:00.

The RAK has submitted the amended Broadcasting Code of Practice to all of its users and warned them to comply with it. The RAK, however, has noticed that the majority of broadcasters do not comply with the aforementioned Article of the Broadcasting Code of Practice, and continue to broadcast certain programmes, such as advertisements for telephone hotlines and similar programmes at inappropriate times. The RAK has announced its intention to take appropriate measures in accordance with its mandate and in line with relevant procedures, unless such broadcasting ceases.